Bheed is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Anubhav Sinha. Known for his powerful storytelling, Sinha once again brings a socially relevant narrative to the screen, tackling themes of class divide, migration, and the human cost of crises. The movie was released on March 24, 2023, and features a stellar ensemble cast including Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, and Pankaj Kapur. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown, Bheed explores the struggles faced by migrant workers in India as they try to return to their villages after being stranded in cities. With its stark black-and-white cinematography, the film presents a raw and emotional portrayal of the hardships endured by ordinary people during an extraordinary time. The tone of the movie is somber, and it aims to shed light on the unseen human suffering that accompanied the pandemic.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
Bheed revolves around the migrant crisis that unfolded during the nationwide lockdown in India in 2020. As millions of workers, mostly from rural areas, are left stranded in cities with no work and no means to survive, they embark on perilous journeys back home. The story follows a group of characters from different walks of life, including a police officer, a journalist, and a migrant family, as they navigate the challenges of hunger, fear, and uncertainty. The narrative is rooted in the harsh realities of the time, with the characters struggling to cope with the overwhelming situation. As they face insurmountable odds, the film poignantly captures the impact of the pandemic on their lives and relationships. Through its powerful storytelling, Bheed paints a grim picture of the divide between the privileged and the marginalized in society.
What’s Good?
Acting
The standout feature of Bheed is its powerful performances. Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility, delivers a compelling portrayal of a police officer caught between duty and humanity. His character is complex, torn between following orders and empathizing with the migrants. Bhumi Pednekar, who plays a journalist covering the crisis, brings a sense of urgency and emotion to her role. Pankaj Kapur’s portrayal of an elderly man trying to return home is equally moving, and his nuanced performance adds depth to the film. The supporting cast, including Ashutosh Rana and Dia Mirza, also contribute to the film’s emotional weight, making the characters feel real and relatable.
Direction
Anubhav Sinha’s direction is another strong point of Bheed. He tackles a sensitive issue with great care and attention to detail, ensuring that the film doesn’t sensationalize the migrant crisis but instead portrays it with authenticity. Sinha’s ability to weave together multiple storylines, each representing different aspects of the crisis, is commendable. The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ struggles. His direction ensures that the emotional impact of the story is felt throughout, without ever feeling melodramatic.
Cinematography
The cinematography in Bheed is striking, with the film being shot entirely in black and white. This choice adds to the film’s bleak and somber tone, emphasizing the starkness of the situation. The cinematographer, Eeshit Narain, uses the lack of color to great effect, focusing on the expressions and emotions of the characters rather than the vibrancy of the surroundings. The wide shots of the migrant workers walking along highways or sitting by the side of the road are hauntingly beautiful and add to the film’s realism. The decision to keep the film in black and white further enhances its documentary-like feel, making it feel more like a reflection of reality rather than a fictional narrative.
Music
The music in Bheed is minimal but impactful. The background score, composed by Anurag Saikia, complements the tone of the film perfectly. The music is used sparingly, allowing the story and performances to take center stage. The haunting melodies create an atmosphere of tension and despair, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The songs, though few, resonate with the themes of the film, providing a sense of emotional depth without overpowering the narrative.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
The primary strength of Bheed lies in its portrayal of a real-world crisis with empathy and authenticity. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the raw and painful realities faced by the migrant workers, and it brings attention to an issue that was largely ignored in mainstream media during the pandemic. The performances, particularly by Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Kapur, are exceptional, and the direction by Anubhav Sinha ensures that the film remains grounded in reality. The black-and-white cinematography adds to the overall impact, making the film visually striking and emotionally resonant.
Another strength is the film’s pacing. While the subject matter is heavy, the film doesn’t feel sluggish or overly long. It manages to keep the audience engaged, balancing moments of intense drama with quieter, more reflective scenes. The film also avoids unnecessary melodrama, focusing instead on the human aspect of the crisis, which makes it more relatable and powerful.
Weaknesses
One of the weaknesses of Bheed is its limited appeal to a broader audience. The film’s slow pace and heavy subject matter might not resonate with viewers looking for light entertainment or action-packed films. Additionally, the black-and-white cinematography, while artistically powerful, may not be to everyone’s taste. Some viewers might find it difficult to connect with the film’s somber tone, especially if they are expecting a more conventional Bollywood film.
Another potential weakness is the film’s reliance on a heavy emotional appeal. While the performances are strong, there are moments where the film seems to push the emotional envelope a bit too far, which could feel manipulative to some viewers. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise well-crafted film.
Target Audience
Bheed is best suited for viewers who enjoy socially relevant and thought-provoking cinema. It will appeal to those who are interested in films that tackle real-world issues, particularly the migrant crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film’s emotional depth and stark portrayal of human suffering will resonate with mature audiences, especially those who appreciate strong performances and authentic storytelling. Families may find the film too heavy, and action lovers or fans of light-hearted entertainment might not enjoy it as much. However, for those who appreciate meaningful, character-driven narratives, Bheed is a must-watch.
Box Office Details
Bheed was made on a budget of approximately ₹35 crore. Despite the film’s strong performances and critical acclaim, it faced challenges at the box office due to its niche appeal and heavy subject matter. The worldwide box office collection for the first week was around ₹45 crore, which was a modest performance considering its budget and the buzz surrounding the film.
Day-wise earnings (India):
- Day 1: ₹2.5 crore
- Day 2: ₹3 crore
- Day 3: ₹4 crore
- Day 4: ₹3.5 crore
- Day 5: ₹4 crore
Overseas earnings:
The film also performed reasonably well in international markets, earning approximately ₹8 crore in its first week. While it didn’t achieve massive commercial success, it garnered a strong word-of-mouth following, especially among audiences who appreciated its realistic portrayal of the migrant crisis.
Recommendation
Bheed is a powerful and thought-provoking film that highlights the struggles of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. With exceptional performances, a gripping narrative, and striking cinematography, it offers an emotionally charged experience. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its heavy subject matter and slow pace, it is a must-watch for those who enjoy socially relevant and impactful films. Highly recommended for viewers seeking meaningful cinema.
Genres:
Drama
Rating:
6/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Rajkummar Rao | Surya Kumar Singh Tikas |
| Pankaj Kapur | Balram Trivedi |
| Bhumi Pednekar | Renu Sharma |
| Ashutosh Rana | Inspector Yadav |
| Dia Mirza | |
| Kritika Kamra | Vidhi Prabhakar |
| Veerendra Saxena | |
| Aditya Srivastava | Inspector Ram Singh |
| Sushil Pandey | |
| Karan A. Pandit | |
| Omkar Das Manikpuri | |
| Aditi Subedi |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
